Joey Simons has joined fine-dining Greek seafood restaurant concept Estiatorio Milos as its first CEO, the New York City-based company said Monday.
Most recently he was CEO of Montclair Hospitality Group, which operates Japanese and Italian restaurants in New York and New Jersey, including trendy Wafu Italian concept PastaRamen. Prior to that role, Simons was chief operating officer and chief of staff for Los Angeles-based multi-concept restaurant and club operator SBE.
Milos, founded in Montréal in 1979 by Costas Spiliadis, currently has nine locations, with four more slated to open in the coming year.
The company also operates Milos Wine Bar in New York City’s Hudson Yards development, the Xenodocheio Milos hotel in Athens, and a small fleet of yachts called Milos at Sea that sails in the Greek islands.
“As our brand prepares for further expansion, we’re thrilled to welcome Joey to our team,” Spiliadis said in a release announcing Simons’ appointment. “His extensive experience in the luxury hospitality space, combined with his passion and understanding of our family-run business, makes for a wonderful partnership. Greek culture and tradition remain at the core of our ethos, and we look forward to working hand-in-hand with Joey to bring Milos to new markets globally.”
Simons said he was looking forward joining Milos.
“I couldn’t think of a better hospitality group to land on,” he said. “It’s such a thrilling time for the Spiliadis family and the entire team at Milos, and I’m honored to be able to help grow the Milos brand and further increase our global presence in the coming years. I’m ready to jump in feet first, and beyond excited for what’s to come.”
Estiatorio Milos currently has two restaurants in New York City, as well as the wine bar, and one restaurant each in Las Vegas, Miami, and Montréal, as well as in Athens, Dubai, London, and Los Cabos, Mexico. Plans are underway to open new locations in Los Angeles, Singapore, Toronto, and West Palm Beach, Fla.
In the release announcing Simons’ new role, Milos said that Spiliadis would remain “at the helm of the Milos brand, working with his children and running the restaurants with a meticulous eye for detail and perfection, putting his deep commitment to preserving Greek culture at the forefront of the business.”
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]